• Should I go with a date or friends?

Imagine hanging out and laughing with friends, having the time of your lives. Now imagine dancing with a date. The fun vanishes into awkward small talk and posed photos with your matching outfits. 

Going with friends is worry-free, and you can just focus on having a good time, being yourself, and wearing whatever sparkly dress or tux you want. Making bouquets and hanging out before going to take pictures just makes the night more special and fun. You do not have to stress about meeting up with your date and buying them a boutonniere or a couple of roses. 

Sophomore Zara Valencia has gone to Homecoming one year with a date and once without one. 

“I think it’s better to go to the dance without a date because that way you can be with your friends and create long-term memories with them, rather than going with someone that you might not talk to in the future,” Valencia said. 

Either with a date or not, the Homecoming experience is a must, and you should show up no matter who you are going with. If you prioritize laughing and dancing in a big group, go with friends. If you would rather stay with one person and get to know them more, then go with a date!

• How can I get a date to Homecoming?

Finding the perfect date can be difficult, but knowing the person and being comfortable with them will lead to a great night. 

First, find someone that you know. You do not have to be close with them, but you should not be strangers. It is smart to talk at school and get to know them first before rushing into a proposal. 

Next, make your move. It can be as simple as asking if they  are planning on going to Homecoming. It is better to know sooner rather than later so you can decide if you want to make a poster or ask them another way. This lets your date think ahead of what to wear or how to match if they decide on going with you. 

“You miss every shot you don’t take, so you just have to do it,” sophomore Merisa Zdralic said. “If you really like them, then go for it.”

Then, if you are still planning on going together, make a proposal. Not everyone will find this appealing, but it’s a fun way to show how much you care. 

After all that is done, it is time to follow through and go to Homecoming!

• What are good Homecoming proposal ideas?

Finding a poster board, supplies, flowers and extra gifts can be difficult. However, coming up with the idea itself should be a piece of cake. All you have to ask yourself is what makes your date special! What are their favorite things? Making the proposal should not be stressful—it should be fun and exciting. Talking to the person and getting to know them can make the proposal smoother. 

Popular ideas for Homecoming proposals are plays on their favorite song, movie, candy or sport. For example, using the song “Best I Ever Had” by Drake, you could write something along the lines of, “Hoco would be the ‘Best I Ever Had’ if you came with me.” Adding a fun border and filling the poster with decorations makes the proposal even more special.

Finding the right time is key to the proposal. It is smart to plan ahead and know when and where to do it, but also to make sure it is a surprise. Letting friends or family in on the secret can help you have the perfect proposal. Knowing the person well will help with the preparations and location. Whether with a lot of people around or not, make your date feel comfortable when you 

ask. During a game, at school or after practice are all good times to ask. 

Lastly, add something sweet with the poster to finish it off. Flowers, chocolates and a stuffed animal are all nice gifts to add to your proposal. 

Don’t be afraid to send in some struggles you may also have to [email protected]. Others may share them too and it is okay to ask for some advice!